We may not have MotoGP racers of Filipino descent, but we can at least claim that the Philippine flag made it across a MotoGP finish line en route to a podium finish.

TIME ATTACK. Rossi already had the Philippine flag on his bike during the time attack. The same bike crossed the finish line on race day.

Nine-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi made good on his promise and then some, bringing the Philippine flag across the finish line of the Gran Premio Motul de la República Argentina last April 9, 2017 on his way to a second place finish.

ROSSI AT THE PODIUM

The 38-year-old Italian made the promise during his visit to the country with Movistar Yamaha MotoGP teammate Maverick Viñales last January 28 during the opening of the Yamaha One Make Race in Novaliches, Quezon City.

ROSSI AND VIÑALES. The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP racers shared the stage for Rossi’s second visit to the Philippines last January 28, 2017 at Robinsons Novaliches.

He was overwhelmed by the Filipino’s war reception and solid support for the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team, prompting him to say he will be racing with the Philippine flag on his bike. This was the Italian’s second visit to the country, with the first coming in 2014.

Rossi’s podium finish at Argentina makes it two in a row for the Italian, who finished third in the opening round at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. Viñales won first place with a near three-second lead over his teammate.

If you’re looking to root for Vale, his next race will be in two weeks in the United States, where he and Viñales will be competing at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.